The Last Kiss Blu-ray Review

"The Last Kiss" arrives on Blu-ray with a decent 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, framed at 2.35:1, delivering a competent but unremarkable high-definition presentation. The image maintains solid, deep blacks and stable colors that transition well throughout the film. While early scenes can appear somewhat dark and soft, the visuals improve considerably in bright outdoor sequences, showcasing robust detail and sharp imagery especially in foreground shots. The wedding reception and campus scenes highlight above-average detail and vibrant secondary hues that are pleasing to the eye. However, a moderate level of grain is present, along with occasional speckles and debris, which don't significantly detract from the overall quality.

The film exhibits visible noise in lighter areas like bathroom tiles and certain furniture surfaces but remains relatively unobtrusive. Skin tones vary from scene to scene, displaying a range from realistically rosy complexions to less appealing hues. Grain is stable throughout the movie, and while it adds a bit of texture, it doesn't overly distract. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer does justice to the source material, providing a satisfactory three-dimensional feel during more dynamic scenes without presenting any major fidelity issues. Despite not achieving excellence in every aspect, this Blu-ray presentation remains an acceptable and welcome improvement.

The audio presentation of "The Last Kiss" on Blu-ray features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix that aligns with the film’s predominantly subdued and dialogue-driven narrative. The soundtrack, though clear and full-bodied, necessitates higher volume adjustments due to its understated nature compared to the volume levels of the menu. Such adjustments ensure that dialogue remains audible but risks overwhelming listeners during sporadic, bass-heavy sequences like the college party scene, which showcases notable low-frequency detail and an authoritative thump via the subwoofer. The mix offers light ambient effects sporadically through the front soundstage, introducing natural undertones such as birds chirping or wind blowing, yet significantly underutilizes the surround channels.

For more discerning audiophiles, however, there may be some disappointments. The rear channels contribute minimally to environmental atmospherics or discrete sound effects even in potentially immersive scenes, resulting in an underwhelming surround experience. Furthermore, while dialogue clarity is generally maintained, there are instances of noticeable distortion that present characters’ voices as robotic or hollow. This lack of fidelity, particularly detrimental given the film’s focus on relationships, may prove distracting. Overall, the audio mix, while competent and appropriate to the film’s material, remains largely unremarkable with limited dynamic range and rear channel activity, potentially leaving viewers wanting more from this high-definition release.

The Blu-ray of "The Last Kiss" offers a comprehensive set of extras that thoroughly enrich the viewing experience. Two lively commentary tracks stand out: one featuring actor Zach Braff and director Tony Goldwyn, and another with an extended cast including Jacinda Barrett, Rachel Bilson, Michael Weston, and Eric Christian Olsen. Both tracks are marked by humor and insightful discussions on film logistics and conventions. The disc also includes four featurettes that provide in-depth perspectives from the filmmakers, cast, and crew on various aspects of making the film. Additional content features a performance music video by Cary Brothers, five deleted scenes and two alternate endings that highlight nuanced subtexts, a brief gag reel, and the theatrical trailer, providing a well-rounded package for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Zach Braff and Director Tony Goldwyn: Insightful and jovial.
• Commentary by cast and crew: Humorous, fast-paced.
• The Last Kiss: Filmmakers’ Perspective: Brief director and producer interviews.
• The Last Kiss: Getting Together: Detailed behind-the-scenes featurette.
• The Last Kiss: Behind Our Favorite Scenes: Cast and crew discuss key moments.
• The Last Kiss: Last Thoughts: Summary interviews.
• Music Video: Cary Brothers Ride: Performance directed by Zach Braff.
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Endings: Extra context and alternate conclusions.
• Gag Reel: Light-hearted bloopers.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition preview of the film.

"The Last Kiss" is a candid exploration of the complexities and pitfalls of modern relationships. Starring Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, and Rachel Bilson, the film presents a raw, melancholic examination of commitment, fear, and the volatility of emotions that accompany love and companionship. At its core, the narrative revolves around Michael (Braff), who faces a quarter-life crisis as he grapples with the prospect of marriage and impending fatherhood. This inner turmoil is amplified when he encounters Kim (Bilson), whose free-spirited nature starkly contrasts with his stable yet monotonous relationship with Jenna (Barrett). The film intersects multiple storylines, featuring characters like Chris (Casey Affleck) struggling in a hollow marriage, Izzy (Michael Weston) on an elusive quest for meaning post-breakup, and Kenny (Eric Christian Olsen), whose aversion to commitment manifests in fleeting physical relationships.

The movie’s strength lies in its unapologetic depiction of flawed, deeply human characters entangled in emotional chaos. While Michael's storyline forms the crux of the narrative, secondary plots involving Jenna's parents, Anna (Blythe Danner) and Stephen (Tom Wilkinson), add layers by reflecting trepidations at different life stages. The character portrayals are neither sugar-coated nor reductive, offering a stark contrast to typical romantic comedies. Emotions like rage, jealousy, confusion, remorse, and lust are palpably conveyed, making the characters' journeys relatable yet unsettling.

However, the film is not without its drawbacks. Critics note that "The Last Kiss" can be a downer due to its incessantly grim tone and sluggish pacing. The characters' perpetual state of despair with little redemption may leave viewers disoriented and emotionally exhausted. Yet, it effectively highlights life's unpredictability and the non-linear nature of love. Despite some narrative conveniences and underdeveloped arcs, particularly Kim’s role, the film eschews easy answers, compelling the audience to confront the harsh realities of relationships where love is not always enough, and actions carry weight.

"The Last Kiss" on Blu-ray offers a mixed audiovisual experience and a storyline that may polarize viewers. The film navigates the complexities of relationships and marital strife with unrelenting intensity, providing a stark contrast to the typical romantic comedies. The narrative remains grounded and realistic, though it treads a gloomy path filled with emotional turmoil and self-destruction. While the portrayals are multidimensional and the acting solid, some might find the character arcs lacking depth and fail to fully engage with their plights.

In terms of technical presentation, DreamWorks' Blu-ray release is passable but falls short of excellence. The picture quality fluctuates between sharp and overly soft scenes, resulting in an inconsistent viewing experience. Audio quality follows a similar trajectory, with a front-heavy soundstage that occasionally comes off as uninspired. The supplementary materials provided are average, with the bonus features not offering much more than what we’ve seen on previous formats.

Despite its shortcomings, "The Last Kiss" could appeal to those seeking a different kind of relationship drama—one that eschews fairy tale endings for a more somber and realistic approach. For these viewers, this Blu-ray might be worth a rental, though not a necessary purchase unless they have a particular affinity for the genre or the film itself.